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Published on: January 7, 2020
Trends in Family-Centered Care in Neonatal Intensive Care
1Department of Nursing Science, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa (Dr Maree and Ms Downes); and Nursetech, Midrand, South Africa (Ms Downes).
Insights
Family-centered care in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) has evolved, emphasizing parental involvement for infant well-being. This approach fosters crucial early bonding and attachment, empowering parents as primary caregivers.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Intensive Care
- Pediatrics
- Family Psychology
Background:
- Historical separation of parents and infants in NICUs has shifted towards recognizing parents as constants in infant lives.
- Early bonding and attachment are now understood as vital for parents to assume their roles as primary caregivers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the evolution and facilitation of family-centered care (FCC) in neonatal intensive care settings.
- To highlight the components and requirements for successful FCC implementation.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical practices and current approaches to family involvement in neonatal care.
- Identification of key elements in facilitating FCC, including daily care, kangaroo care, and developmental support.
- Outline of necessary resources, policies, and attitudes for FCC implementation.
Main Results:
- Family-centered care has transitioned from parental exclusion to active parental engagement.
- Facilitation involves integrating parents in care activities like kangaroo care and communication.
- Successful implementation necessitates supportive policies, resources, education, and a positive institutional attitude.
Conclusions:
- Family-centered care is crucial for optimizing infant outcomes and parental roles in the NICU.
- A holistic approach involving policies, resources, education, and positive attitudes is essential for effective FCC.
- Continued evolution of FCC practices supports the long-term well-being of infants and their families.
Abstract:
Family-centered care in neonatal intensive care changed over the last decades. Initially, parents and infants were separated and parents were even being blamed for cau-sing infections in their infants. The importance, though, of the parents being the constant in the infant's life emerged and with that the importance of early bonding and attachment for the parents to take on their role and responsibi-lities as primary caregivers. Facilitation of family-centered care includes involving the parents in daily care activities, kangaroo care, developmental care, interaction and communication with the infant, as well as involving grandparents and siblings. Implementation of family-centered care requires appropriate policies, facilities and resources, education of all involved, and a positive attitude.
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